Lexi Webster
The US Postal Service (USPS) offers international shipping to over 180 countries, including Australia. However, there have been some disruptions to USPS services to Australia in recent years, with suspensions to certain services such as First-Class Mail International and Priority Mail Express International due to COVID-19, floods, fires, and staffing shortages. As of March 2022, USPS has resumed mail services to Australia, but some services like Priority Mail International remain suspended, and there are no guaranteed delivery dates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| USPS Shipping Service to Australia | Priority Mail Express International |
| Shipping Resumption Date | 11 March 2022 |
| Shipping Options | Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, First-Class Mail International, First-Class Package International Service |
| Shipping Speed | 6-10 business days |
| Maximum Weight | 70 lbs |
| Restrictions | Specific regulations and standards for mailing restricted, prohibited, and hazardous materials |
| Customs Forms | Required |
| Tracking | Included with Priority Mail Express International and Priority Mail International |
| Insurance | Included with Priority Mail Express International and Priority Mail International, up to $100 for non-negotiable documents and up to $200 for merchandise |
| Pricing | Starts at $30.90 for Flat Rate, varies by destination country for shipping by weight |
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What You'll Learn
USPS shipping to Australia was suspended in 2021 due to COVID
The US Postal Service (USPS) has long provided international mail services to over 180 countries, including Australia. However, in 2021, USPS was forced to temporarily suspend its shipping services to Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On September 3, 2021, USPS halted its acceptance of Australia-bound international mail due to COVID-19-related service impacts in Australia. This suspension affected First-Class Package International Service, with packages already in transit endorsed as "Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender" and returned to the sender. On September 17, 2021, USPS further suspended Priority Mail International to Australia, again citing carrier issues related to the pandemic.
These suspensions were part of a broader disruption to USPS international services, with Australia being the only large country on a list of 21 destinations affected by service halts due to the pandemic and other unrelated disruptions. USPS did not provide a timeline for resuming normal operations at the time, stating that suspensions would remain in effect until further notice.
Despite the suspension of certain services, USPS maintained that Priority Mail Express International delivery to Australia was not impacted and would continue to be delivered. During this suspension period, customers seeking alternative delivery options to Australia were advised to consider UPS International Shipping, offering discounted rates of up to 76% with no peak surcharge.
The temporary suspension of USPS shipping services to Australia in 2021 due to COVID-19 highlights the challenges faced by postal services during the pandemic. USPS took reasonable measures to minimize the impact on customers, offering full refunds for shipping costs when services were suspended and providing alternative delivery recommendations.
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First-Class Package International Service to Australia
First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) is an economical way to send lightweight packages internationally. Packages can weigh up to 4 lbs (64 oz) and contain goods with a value of up to $400.
FCPIS includes Electronic USPS Delivery Confirmation® International (E-USPS DELCON INTL®) when you
FCPIS is available in over 180 countries, including Australia. Transit times will vary depending on the destination. USPS advises allowing between 12 and 20 working days for this economy service, plus there can be delays when the package is cleared through customs.
Full package tracking is available in over 41 countries with USPS First Class Package International. You can use the PMS number provided by Parcel Monkey and their tracking tool, or take note of the USPS tracking number on your label if you wish to track directly.
Please note that USPS can no longer accept or deliver international mail to several countries due to service impacts. These service disruptions include FCPIS.
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Priority Mail Express International to Australia
USPS provides Priority Mail Express International® services to about 180 countries, including Australia. This service is fast, reliable, and affordable, with shipping rates starting at $59.50. Shipments include insurance, tracking, free package pickup, and a money-back guarantee to many countries.
Priority Mail Express International shipments are delivered in 3-5 business days to most destinations. However, it's important to note that the actual number of days may vary based on origin, destination, and customs delays. Additionally, there may be specific prohibitions and restrictions for certain countries.
When shipping to Australia using Priority Mail Express International, your package must have a complete and computer-generated customs form. If you use the USPS Click-N-Ship® service to print your postage, it will automatically generate a customs form for you. Alternatively, you can fill out Form PS 2976-R and have a USPS® retail associate create and print the form for you at the Post Office.
It's worth mentioning that some users have reported varying delivery times for USPS Priority Mail International to Australia. While some have received their parcels within a few days, others have experienced delays of up to a month. Therefore, it's recommended to refer to the USPS website for the most up-to-date information regarding shipping times and potential disruptions.
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USPS shipping restrictions and prohibitions
USPS has a set of guidelines that outline what can and cannot be mailed domestically and internationally. These guidelines include prohibited and restricted items. Prohibited items are completely forbidden, while restricted items are allowed under certain conditions.
Hazardous materials, or HAZMAT, are substances that could injure people or cause damage if not handled properly. This includes chemicals, flammable items, and lithium batteries. Some HAZMAT items are prohibited and cannot be sent through USPS, while others are restricted and can be mailed if certain rules are followed. For example, some HAZMAT items can only be sent via ground transportation and cannot go on airplanes. If you do mail packages containing HAZMAT, they must be separated from other packages and presented in a container marked "HAZMAT."
In addition to HAZMAT restrictions, there are also restrictions on mailing items such as cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco products. These items are considered restricted and can only be mailed in limited circumstances. When shipping internationally, including to Australia, it is important to review the country-specific prohibitions and restrictions. Each country has its own rules on what it will and will not allow.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia implemented shipping restrictions and prohibitions to control the spread of the virus. These restrictions caused delays in the shipping process. As of September 2021, Australia temporarily stopped accepting certain shipments, including USPS First Class Package International and Priority Mail International, due to transportation limitations on commercial flights. However, other international shipping services, such as Simple Export Rate and Priority Mail Express International, were still available for shipping to Australia. It is important to review the latest updates and guidelines from USPS and the destination country when planning to ship items internationally.
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USPS shipping insurance and tracking
USPS provides reliable and affordable international delivery to about 180 countries, including Australia. The USPS international mail services include Priority Mail Express International® and Priority Mail International®. These services include tracking and some insurance.
Priority Mail Express International® includes insurance for document reconstruction up to $100 and for merchandise up to $200 against loss, damage, or missing contents. Additional coverage for merchandise may be available; individual country prohibitions and restrictions apply.
Priority Mail International shipments containing non-negotiable documents are insured against loss, damage, or missing contents up to $100 for document reconstruction at no additional charge. Additional insurance limits vary by country.
First-Class Package International Service includes Electronic USPS Delivery Confirmation® International (E-USPS DELCON INTL®) when you ship online to select countries, although certain limitations may apply.
USPS Tracking® is available for many USPS services, including Priority Mail Express®, Priority Mail®, USPS Ground Advantage®, and First-Class Mail®. You can purchase extended tracking history and receive a USPS Tracking Plus Statement via email upon request. This provides access to tracking information for up to 10 years.
For international shipments, you will need to fill out a customs form. Use Click-N-Ship and the USPS online customs form tool as a guide.
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Frequently asked questions
USPS has resumed shipping to Australia as of 11 March 2022. However, first-class and regular priority mail services remain suspended.
USPS offers Priority Mail Express International® to Australia. This service includes international tracking and insurance of up to $100 for non-negotiable documents and up to $200 for merchandise.
USPS Priority Mail International® to Australia usually takes 6-10 business days. However, the actual delivery time may vary based on origin, destination, and customs delays.
